advice needed!!

My dog is a year and half od puggle, he is a semi good dog, but can't be left home alone out of the crate because he ruins the furniture and anything else he can.

The problem is when I put him in the crate in the morning he howls, barks, screams bloody murder. I dont know for how long, all I know is I still hear him from the parking lot until I drive away.

He is exercised and loved and played with so none of that is it, but im afriad he will never grow out of this and it kills me every day

Anyone have advice or go through this?

Re: advice needed!!

I have not had this problem, but a friend of mine did - and they were living in a condo next door to a man who worked nights, so they had some serious issues!!

For a while they would drop the dog off at a family member's house that had other dogs and he did better with that.

Eventually though he grew out of his separation anxiety. By the time he turned 3 he was pretty much over it. It was hard on them though!!

Good luck!

Re: advice needed!!

I've had this problem with my dog too. Do you give him anything to play with in the crate to occupy him and look forward to going in there? Our dog gets a Kong toy stuffed with some of his breakfast, liver paste, and a piece of dried chicken. I don't know if he is content all day long but he can't wait to get in there to get the Kong. It gives him something to look forward to when we are leaving. It associates something good with our departure.

Re: advice needed!!

Re: advice needed!!

It sounds like your dog has separation anxiety. I went through this with my dog. Here is the protocol my trainer recommended it took a while but it helped cure my dog:

Goal of training
To develop a routine and a signal that tells your dog, you will not be available to him.
The marrow bone will be the signal that you are leaving.
Marrow bones can be purchased from any meat department. They are also called soup bones. Ask for bones cut a minimum of 4 inches long. They are safest when raw. Cooked bones can splinter.

Routines are very important to a dog that is insecure.

You may want to consult your veterinarian about prescription medications, which aid in implementing this or any behavioral program.
Medication will not work alone; it must be used in conjunction with a training program.
Medication also does not sedate the dog it just eases the anxiety he is feeling.
An excellent veterinarian behaviorist is Dr. Lyndell. Her number if you choose to work with her is 845-473-7406

Practice these exercises several times a day, a minimum of least 3 times per day.

When returning after any absence, ignore the dog, be very casual. Let your dog outside to relieve himself.

Stage One
Give a marrow bone to your dog.
Now, note the time and for the next twenty minutes all people in the home need to totally ignore the dog.
During this time
Do not: make eye contact
Touch the dog
Allow him to lean on you
Talk to him
Go about your business but do not be available to him.
When ending the session pick up the marrow bone. Your dog will only get the marrow bone, when you are unavailable to him. NEVER NEVER at any other time.

Practice this several times a day.

When can you advance to the next stage?
When the dog is relaxed, and not worrying about where you are. After a few days of this behavior, you can advance to the next stage.

Stage Two
Give a marrow bone to your dog.
Note the time and for the next twenty minutes all people in the house will not be available to your dog.
AND
Your dog will be in a crate or behind a baby gate that prevents him from following you.
Stay close a few feet away on the other side of the gate to start.
Do not: leave his sight
Touch him
Talk to him
Go about your business but do not be available to him.
When ending the session pick up the marrow bone. Your dog will only get the marrow bone, when you are unavailable to him. NEVER NEVER at any other time.

Practice this several times a day.

Stage Three
Give a marrow bone to your dog.
Note the time and for the next twenty minutes all people in the house will not be available to your dog.
AND
Your dog will be in a crate or behind a baby gate that prevents him from following you.
Leave his sight briefly and return several times.
Do not:
Make eye contact
Talk to him.
Go about your business but do not be available to him.
When ending the session pick up the marrow bone. Your dog will only get the marrow bone, when you are unavailable to him. NEVER NEVER at any other time.

Stage Four
Give a marrow bone to your dog.
Note the time and for the next 5 minutes all people in the house will not be available to your dog. Build up to 20 minute sessions.
AND
Leave his sight but stay in the house.
Do not: Talk to him
Go about your business but do not be available to him.
When ending the session pick up the marrow bone. Your dog will only get the marrow bone, when you are unavailable to him. NEVER NEVER at any other time.

Stage Five
Give a marrow bone to your dog.

AND
Leave his sight and now leave the house. Start with 5 minutes and build this time.
When ending the session pick up the marrow bone. Your dog will only get the marrow bone, when you are unavailable to him. NEVER NEVER at any other time.
Build up to one hour.

This will be your leaving routine any time you need to leave your dog alone.

Remember when leaving ignore your dog for 15 minutes prior to actually walking out the door. Also upon return, ignore your dog for 15 minutes after arriving home.


Sorry so long.
I used marrow bones for training but I only give him a kong when I am leaving the house.

Message edited 2/2/2011 8:01:16 PM.

Re: advice needed!!

Re: advice needed!!

My mom has this problem with her lab, she actually leaves the radio on for it all day so that there is noise, it helps a bit.